Wonder Woman shoots, she scores!

Synopsis: Before she was Wonder Woman she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and true destiny.

Review: Ever since the release of Batman V Superman the pressure has been on WONDER WOMAN to breath life into the DC Universe. She needed to break the doom and gloom and bring a little light to the dark night. Audiences can’t be excited about the Justice League until they get a glimpse of something uplifting and fun. Fun. A word you seldom hear associated with DC. Until now. Wonder Woman is not only a lot of fun but dare I say it is so good that you forget you aren’t watching a Marvel movie. That is the biggest compliment I can give it.

This is certainly an origin film and there is a lot to cram into the lengthy run time. Luckily the story moves quickly and doesn’t stay put in one location for too long. Diana/Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) is an intriguing character and her backstory on the island of Amazon Women lays a foundation that is needed for her to build on. If you do not know her history then her motivations would confuse you. But seeing how she was raised her naivety, compassion, and determination makes sense balanced against her massive power.

Once British Pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) is introduced the real adventure begins and Diana can finally fight for what’s right; even sans satin tights. WWI is never mentioned by name which gives the film a timeless feel. Referring to it as a war to end all wars has a double meaning that plays well throughout. The Germans are always good heavies and in this story Diana, Steve, and a trio of good hearted misfits must stop them from creating a weapon that would destroy all in its path.

I am not familiar with the comic version of the Wonder Woman story but in this one there is also a lot of god name dropping. The references to Zeus, Ares, and the mythological tales help enhance the message and Diana’s story. This packs way more punch than a utility belt with some rich guy gadgets attached. Plus as I mentioned this movie is a lot of fun and has more humor than all the prior DC films combined. Such a smart move. I was so glad to be rid of the brooding horde of characters that DC always gives us. Yes Wonder Woman is intense but the writing and the supporting cast help lighten the mood and entertain the audience.

Finally Wonder Woman works because Gadot gives us a layered character that, like all powerful women, is multi faceted. She is smart, compassionate, fair, and sympathizing. It is incredible to have a hero that young girls can watch and emulate. Gadot would not have been my first pic only because she was never on my radar. But now it is impossible to think of anyone else. She has a soft beauty about her that can instantly flame into a force of vengeance; never loosing sight of her goal and inner passion. Kudos to the style and wardrobe department too. They created a persona that visually stunning. Fans of the TV Wonder Woman will get their lasso of truth but thankfully there are no invisible airplanes flying around.

WONDER WOMAN is rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and some suggestive content. It is actually tamer than other DC films, again, because it doesn’t try to be so dark and sinister. I give it 4.5 out of 5 ice cream cones. It is a tad long and there are times when a scene lingers a bit much. Like all superhero films this one ends with a long explosive battle. But unlike other films of this length it didn’t feel long. I guess time does fly when you are having fun.

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About Matt Mungle

Matt's reviews can be found in print, online, and through the radio show and podcast. He is a radio veteran of over 20 years and a film critic since Million Dollar Baby won best picture. In his own words, "I am more a film fan than a film critic. Movies can inspire, teach, entertain, or upset us. We all have our favorites which makes for great conversation." Matt's sensitive approach to movies makes his reviews and interviews relatable and informative.